General info

The PBY-5a Catalina is a Rank I American bomber with a battle rating of 2.0 (AB/SB) and 1.7 (RB). It was in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.29.

The main purpose, usage and tactics recommendations

General play style

Although technically a medium bomber, the PBY-5's strategies are much like that of heavy bombers in higher tiers such as the B-17. It is best to fly high, as flying low will make you an easy target for fighters and AA. The best tactic for fending off enemy fighters is to use the rudders to direct one of the side gunners towards the attacking plane. It is also smart to use the guns manually in this situation, as the AI is often very inaccurate and will refuse to fire beyond a certain distance. In the worst case scenarios, a dive can be used to greatly increase the plane's speed to get to attack a ground target before a pursuing enemy fighter shoots it down.

Although the PBY-5a Catalina is slow and clunky, it offers a heavy payload that is sure to be a game changer if used properly. It also has a very good defensive armament for its tier, which can occasionally be a savior against an enemy fighter.

The plane is quite unmanuaverable, and its wings are very weak, being able to snap just by turning just a little too tight at higher speeds in a realistic battle. Unlike its predecessor, this version has landing gear, Allowing it to land on airfields as well as in water, allowing it to repair and respawn at airfields in Realistic Mode without belly landing, and enabling it to capture bases in Airfield Domination mode in Arcade Battles.